Chapter 43: Comfort and Chance Encounters

I was startled.

“Do Yoon, have you been sitting here the whole time?”

The table still held the meal from earlier, but only one portion remained.

“Waiting for me?”

“Hyung… no, I was just… going to eat. Haven’t cleaned up yet.”

But there was no food in front of him. Scanning the table, I said casually.

“Oh? Thought it was for me. I only had coffee with Mother, so I’m hungry.”

“You didn’t eat dinner?”

“Nope.”

“Then eat this! I didn’t clear it in case you hadn’t… I mean, wait, I’ll reheat it.”

Do Yoon jumped up, his bright expression clearly forced. I grabbed his arm.

“Do Yoon, it’s okay. Sit for a sec.”

“It’ll just take a minute in the microwave…”

“What did Mother say to you?”

His movements froze.

“Nothing, really.”

So she did say something, and it wasn’t kind.

“Whatever she said, don’t take it to heart. You know how she gets… sometimes emotional because of Father.”

“No, really, it was nothing.”

“Really?”

I held his gaze, staring into his brown eyes. He looked away, then said.

“Just… how long I’d live with you.”

Surprisingly normal question. I patted his shoulder, voice lighter.

“What’s that? Live here as long as you want.”

“But… you planned to live alone. I pushed my way in. Am I a burden?”

His face was tense, but it was a pointless worry. Do Yoon did all the housework, including cooking, to an almost embarrassing degree. Even with hired help, I wouldn’t have such a healthy, regular lifestyle alone. His dinners ensured I came home unless something came up. Weekends, we watched movies, walked, or visited exhibits—never a dull moment. I felt a bit guilty.

“You’re the one who’d find me a burden. I don’t do anything around here. Sorry.”

“I’m really fine. As long as you’re okay… I want to live with you forever.”

I smiled warmly, ruffling his hair.

“Live here till you get married.”

His eyes wavered.

“Yeah…”

He smiled weakly, stood, and headed to the microwave.

After midterms, May brought Do Yoon more free time. He went out more, often for evening walks. Longer daylight meant it didn’t get dark quickly. The nearby park buzzed with cyclists, picnickers, families, and couples.

On days I didn’t work late, I joined him. The cool night air felt refreshing. Chatting about our day passed time quickly, with him asking and me answering.

He was curious about my coworkers and actors I met for work. Actor stories triggered a barrage of questions, always ending with, “Who’s prettier, me or them?” Once, I teased that an actor was prettier, and he sulked all day, ignoring me. I never brought up actors again.

We were chatting during a walk when someone ran up and tapped Do Yoon’s shoulder.

“Choi Do Yoon?”

Do Yoon turned, surprised.

“…Hwang Yeon Seok?”

That Hwang Yeon Seok?!

Distracted, I snapped to attention. A tall guy with a sharp nose stood beside us, slightly tanned, with a friendly, open vibe—like a big, happy dog. Grinning, Yeon Seok bombarded Do Yoon.

“Wow, running into you here? What’s up?”

“Just… walking.”

Seeing Do Yoon’s casual outfit, Yeon Seok’s eyes widened.

“You live nearby? I do too!”

“Yeah?”

Do Yoon replied flatly. Yeon Seok clapped excitedly, exclaiming.

“How’d we not know this?”

“It happens.”

His indifference made me embarrassed. They’re supposed to be close, but not yet, apparently. Yeon Seok noticed me.

“With a friend?”

I frowned. Friend? I’m seven years older. Do Yoon smirked, nodding.

“Yeah, my friend. Same age as us.”

“Choi Do Yoon, you…”

Before I could protest, he grabbed my hand behind his back and let go—a signal to hush. I grumbled but shut up. Yeon Seok stared, then said.

“Oh… we’ve got a mixer next week with a women’s uni. Wanna come?”

“Me?”

“Yeah, you and Do Yoon. We’re two short—perfect timing.”

I was thrown. A mixer invite at first meeting? Is this how popular kids roll?

“I don’t even go to your school.”

“No biggie.”

Do Yoon, who’d been smirking, suddenly cut in, annoyed.

“He’s busy and can’t go.”

“Hyung? I thought you said same age.”

“He’s my brother. Works a job.”

Yeon Seok’s eyes widened, darting between us.

“For real? He looks our age. You’re a working guy? How old?”

“Uh… hi. Twenty-seven. Nice to meet you.”

I answered awkwardly. He gaped, then went wild.

“No way! You look our age! So young-looking! Are you really brothers? You don’t look alike. Hyung’s way handsomer!”

I flinched. He was just being polite to a friend’s family, but knowing we’re not blood-related—strangers, technically—his words hit hard. It wasn’t an easy topic for Do Yoon either, who thinks we’re half-brothers. But he shrugged casually.

“Obviously. Anyway, he’s busy.”

Yeon Seok looked genuinely disappointed.

“Such a shame. He’d be the most popular with the girls!”

“Haha…”

Yeon Seok was fun but exhausting. I could see why he became Do Yoon’s secretary—his energy wouldn’t crack under Do Yoon’s coldness. No wonder he was a love coach. He rummaged in his pocket, pulling out a crumpled paper and handing it to me.

“Oh, my club’s performing next Friday at the student hall. Come with Do Yoon if you’re free. Starts at 7, but no need to be punctual.”

The black ticket had “Feel the ROCK!” scrawled in white paint-like font. I was shocked.

“You do this at school?”

“Yup, it’s festival season. We perform outside festivals too.”

“Festival?”

I turned to Do Yoon, stunned.

“You didn’t mention a festival.”

He pouted, muttering.

“Wasn’t planning to go… It’s not that fun.”

This guy tells me what he ate for lunch but skips a school festival? Betrayal stung. Yeon Seok jumped in, more shocked.

“Dude, the festival’s separate from our show. It’s awesome! We sell drinks and snacks. Tickets are 5,000 won, but I’ll cover 10,000! Come, okay? You too, Hyung. Bring coworkers!”

“Uh… thanks.”

“Have a great walk! See you tomorrow!”

Yeon Seok bounded off as energetically as he arrived, like a passing storm. I sipped my water bottle.

“He’s super outgoing. Be nice to him. You won’t be bored.”

But Do Yoon didn’t reply, holding out his hand for the ticket.

“Give it to me. I’ll pass it to someone else.”